Sustainable educational solutions for chemical ecology and atmospheric pollution (SESCAP)
Sustainable educational solutions for chemical ecology and atmospheric pollution (SESCAP) is an educational, mobility, and network cooperation project supported by the Team Finland Knowledge TFK Programme. SESCAP aims to promote science-based education in an intercultural space between Finland and China, involving University of Eastern Finland (UEF), acting as a coordinator, University of Turku (UTU) and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) both as higher educational institutions (HEIs) partners.
Understanding the chemically mediated interactions between organisms and the environment provides a strong background for the green transition. Understanding the consequences and mitigation strategies of air pollution advances the field of circular economy. Novel sustainable teaching solutions in these areas, developed through the Sino-Finnish partnership, will create a generation of experts with high intercultural competence. To achieve this goal, SESCAP will carry out multi-educational activities, mobilities, and networking. The SESCAP includes several initiatives. For example, creation of a novel interdisciplinary course “Core of Chemical Ecology and Atmospheric Pollution” (CAP-core) based on digital panoramas. The course will be further integrated with the live course (CAP-live) held in Finland and China. A virtual space (designed and hosted website) and designed booklet CAP-met created as a basis for modern research and teaching methods. A recorded series of 10 webinars (CAP-web) representing the groundbreaking ideas in the field presented by top subject experts. Short- and long-term mobilities for masters’ and doctoral level students and staff. Networking seminars and pedagogical training for staff to advance their teaching skills.
Novel educational materials and cross-cultural transfer of scientific knowledge and pedagogical experience are expected to be the outcomes of SESCAP. These outcomes will be enabled through virtual and live meetings, mobilities, and work life cooperation. SESCAP will contribute to the development of professional and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, persuasion, conflict and stress management, decision-making, and time management.